He grabbed the remote, found the first episode, and clicked on it. Then, looking suddenly serious, he said, “Winter is coming.”
Um…okay?
Chapter 19
DEV
Lyra hated my show.
I mean, it was so obvious. But she was such a good sport. Every time, I’d explain a character’s background or motivation in a scene, she’d listen intently and smile. But it was forced and I knew it. It just wasn’t her thing.
But God I loved her for giving it a try.
After two episodes, I switched off the TV. With a surprised look on her exquisite face, she sat up straight in her chair. “Why’d you turn it off?”
“I figured two episodes were enough for today. Don’t you?”
She raised both eyebrows, feigning disappointment, but I knew she was actually relieved. “I mean, sure, that’s fine.”
God, you’re cute.
“Here’s what I don’t get though,” she said, with lines forming on her forehead. “What do those White Walker guys have to do with everyone fighting over the throne?”
“It’s a really long story…” I said, shaking my head slowly. “Frankly, I don’t think I have the energy for it.”
“Have another Twix.” She smirked. “I like Daenerys.”
Her smirk transformed into a modest, almost shy smile. “You do, huh?”
“But they aren’t calling her Khaleesi.”
“That happens later. It’s all just getting started.”
“Ahh. Well, maybe we’ll have to watch more tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow, huh?” I asked, surprised she’d want to be around my germ-infested ass for more than a few hours. But it was a good surprise. The best kind, actually.
“Sure.” She shrugged, hopping to her feet. “You haven’t had enough fluids. I’m getting you a big glass of Gatorade.”
“I am a little thirsty, thanks.”
“You don’t have to keep thanking me. I told you, I’m here to take care of you. When was the last time you took your temperature?”
“Before you got here. One oh two.”
“Take it again.”
“Got it, boss.”
She rolled her eyes, placing a tumbler of iced red Gatorade in my free hand as I reached for the thermometer.
“You know that Robb Stark is pretty hot,” she said, rifling through the candy bag.
“Excuse me?” I asked, raising one eyebrow.
“You heard me.”
“I thought for sure you’d be all about my man Snow.”
“Nope. Robb all the way.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
She grabbed a package of Dots and popped open the side of the box. “I like what I like.”
“Thank God you took the Dots. I hate those things. They always get stuck in my molars.”
“Poor baby,” she said. Sassy Lyra had returned. I wasn’t sure which Lyra I preferred: Nurturing Lyra or Sassy, Smart-Ass Lyra.
Hell, I’m crazy about both of them.
“But I guess it shouldn’t surprise me that you took the lamest candy from the bag; you like the lamest guy on the damn show.”
“He’s not lame!”
“You’ve only seen two episodes. What the hell do you know?”
She wrinkled her nose. “Fine, whatever. Drink your damn Gatorade.”
I chuckled before taking a big gulp of the sweet berry liquid. There was just something about arguing with Lyra that turned me on like nothing else. And now that I knew she was into me and I didn’t feel like a fool, it was even more of a turn-on.
“Will we ever stop bickering like this?” she asked, looking as amused as I felt.
“God, I hope not.” I locked eyes with her, my expression soft and vulnerable. And I meant it. My muscles still ached and my sinuses were still plugged, but when I was with Lyra, it didn’t matter. I could have the flu for the rest of my life as long as she was sitting in that armchair taking care of me and being her quick-witted self.
Lyra smiled, biting down on her lower lip before breaking eye contact and digging into her Dots. “What’s you’re temp?”
“One oh one point five. You’re bringing it down.”
She rolled her eyes playfully. “Nice try. I don’t think sugar brings down a fever.”
“Your presence is healing enough,” I said with a wink. “Seriously, though, I don’t feel as shitty as I did last night. That’s progress, right?”
“For sure.”
“I need to go to the bathroom,” I said, removing the blanket from my lap and rising to my feet. My vision blurred and the room tilted. I fell back down to the couch. “Whoa.”
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, yeah,” I said, waving her away. “I’m fine. I just got dizzy for a minute.”
“Maybe you should get some rest.”
Disappointment spread through my brain. The last thing I wanted was for Lyra to leave.
Please don’t go.
“Yeah, I guess. It is getting kinda late. But, I mean, I have a guest room if you want to stay.” I said it on a lark, fully prepared for Lyra to have a million reasons why she should head back home.
“Okay,” she said matter-of-factly.
“Wait, what?”
“I’ll stay in your guest room, that way I can check on you during the night.”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah, why? Would you rather I go?” she asked, looking unsure of herself.
“No, no, I mean…please stay.”
She smiled warmly, taking my hand in hers. “Good. Now, let’s get you standing up again. Slower this time.”
I rose slowly to my feet, my hand squeezing hers as my other gripped the arm of the couch. Luckily I didn’t feel any dizziness this time and my muscles were cooperative. “Thanks. I’ll show you the guest room.”
“Great. Lead the way.”
Slowly, I led Lyra down the hallway to the two bedrooms. Switching on the light of the guest room, I walked in as Lyra peered around the room, taking in the queen bed and nightstand, looking impressed.
“This is really nice. I don’t know many single guys with guest rooms.”
I shrugged. “Hospitality is important. Normally, I’d have some other things ready for you, but we can improvise.”
“What do you mean?”
I walked slowly to the closet, revealing three cotton robes hanging. “I’m sure one of these will fit you.”
“You have robes for your guests?”
“Yep, normally I’d have some water and snacks in here for you, too, but I’m not gonna put my germy hands on anything. But you’re welcome to anything in the fridge. Make yourself at home.”
And for just a second, I thought about what it would be like for Lyra to call my apartment home. Lyra waking up here, Lyra cooking in my kitchen, Lyra cuddling with me on the couch while we watched movies, going to bed each night with her just inches away. It felt good. Really good. I didn’t realize how much my mind was drifting off into space until Lyra said my name.
“Dev, you okay?”